Synthesis, crystal structure and leishmanicidal activity of new trimethoprim Ru(III), Cu(II) and Pt(II) metal complexes

Leishmaniasis is a parasitic disease caused by protozoa of the genus Leishmania, which has very limited treatment options and affects poor and underdeveloped populations. The current treatment is plagued by many complications, such as high toxicity, high cost and resistance to parasites; therefore, novel therapeutic agents are urgently needed. Herein, the synthesis, characterization and in vitro leishmanicidal potential of new complexes with the general formula [RuCl3(TMP)(dppb)] (1), [PtCl(TMP)(PPh3)2]PF6 (2) and [Cu(CH3COO)2(TMP)2]·DMF (3) (dppb = 1,4-bis(diphenylphosphino)butane, PPH3 = triphenylphosphine and TMP = trimethoprim) were evaluated. The complexes were characterized by infrared, UV–vis, cyclic voltammetry, molar conductance measurements, elemental analysis and NMR experiments. Also, the geometry of (2) and (3) were determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction. Despite being less potent against promastigote L. amazonensis proliferation than amphotericin B reference drug (IC50 = 0.09 ± 0.02 μM), complex (2) (IC50 = 3.6 ± 1.5 μM) was several times less cytotoxic (CC50 = 17.8 μM, SI = 4.9) in comparison with amphotericin B (CC50 = 3.3 μM, SI = 36.6) and gentian violet control (CC50 = 0.8 μM). Additionally, complex (2) inhibited J774 macrophage infection and amastigote number by macrophages (IC50 = 6.6 and SI = 2.7). Outstandingly, complex (2) was shown to be a promising candidate for a new leishmanicidal therapeutic agent, considering its biological power combined with low toxicity. Trimethoprim complexes with ruthenium(III), platinum(II) and cooper(II) were synthesized and characterized and their leishmanicidal activity evaluated. The platinum complex exhibited promising leishmanicidal activity and low toxicity. [Display omitted] •New trimethoprim Ru(III), Cu(II) and Pt(II) complexes are reported.•The crystal structure of the Cu(II) and Pt(II) complexes are determined.•The Pt(II) complex is a promising candidate for a leishmanicidal therapeutic agent.